JOHN CRIDLAND the director general of the CBI, is the latest high-profile figure to lend his backing to the Local Business Accelerators campaign.

Last month, The Northern Echo launched the search for the region's most promising new businesses. Winners will receive the huge boost of professional advice from a panel of local businessmentors, plus an allocation of free advertising space in The Northern Echo.

Middlesbrough Council is offering one winner a business base for six months - for free.

The council will provide a sixmonth rent-free tenancy in one of its Enterprise Centre Network buildings at Multi Media Exchange, Brentnall Centre, Southlands Centre, Beresford Building, Broadcasting House or Stockton Street Workshops.

The prize includes rates, heat, light and power, maintenance, security, cleaning and caretaking. Internet, contents insurance and telephone are not included.

Businesses can apply for a place on the scheme on the accelerateme.co.uk website until the November 14 deadline. It is open to all businesses that have been active in the North-East for no more than three years.

Mr Cridland joins figures including Prime Minister David Cameron, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Professor David Miles of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committeewho have all voiced their support for the campaign.

Announcing his backing, Mr Cridland said: "The Local Business Accelerators campaign is an innovative scheme to help promote much-needed growth in our local communities.

"Small and medium-sized businesses across the country have the potential to grow and create many new jobs and, by joining forces in this way, local newspapers can help provide valuable practical support."